When superbikes breed superbikes, the difference is always in the legs.

Pinarello has never been content to reserve their award-winning asymmetrical frame design for top-shelf offerings like the Dogma or Paris. 2012 marks another huge forward leap for the Pinarello FP Quattro, as the frame is granted an even larger slice of the Dogma's storied pedigree. And, combined with Shimano's new Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting group, the FP Quattro/Shimano Ultegra Di2 Complete Road Bike is one of the best value-centric race bikes Pinarello has ever offered.

If you’re making comparisons between the Quattro and its bigger brother Paris, they’re justified, because many of the upgrades to the 2012 Pinarello Paris were shared with the FP Quattro as well. Joining the asymmetrical Onda fork and seatstays is the FP Quattro's newly re-designed downtube, whose robust shape now lends greater stiffness to the drivetrain side and helps balance out the overall ride of the bike. Stiffness and lightness are always critical to building a race bike, but for Pinarello, so is ride quality. The asymmetrical design ensures a balance between stiffness and agility without an overly harsh ride. The FP Quattro also gets a beefier head tube and a new oversized steerer tube that tapers from 1 1/8in to 1 1/4in, which helps the bike track better and remains stiff and confident on high speed descents. The cable routing is now internal as well, enhancing the pristine, aerodynamic aesthetic on the frame. The FP Quattro is also literally pulled from the same molds as the Pinarello Paris, but is instead built with a slightly heavier 30-ton high modulus carbon fiber, with a 12K weave. For frame of reference, the Paris is built with 50-ton HM carbon in a very dense 1.5K weave, which more closely resembles the flagship Dogma 2.

The FP Quattro/Shimano Ultegra Di2 Complete is a package culled from the inspirations and molds of some of the greatest bicycles Italy has to offer, and is fitted with a groupset designed from the best that Japanese cycling engineering has to offer. Ultegra Di2 is more than just the little brother of Dura-Ace Di2. When you factor in the gruppo's significant improvements being offered at only a minimal weight penalty, it's arguably an upgrade. The most significant functions of Dura-Ace Di2 remain essentially the same: front derailleur auto trim, 3000 kilometer battery life, identical shifter button placement, and ease of adjustment. The most important feature the groups share, however, is the smooth and immediate shifting that only electronic servo motors can provide. While Ultegra lacks the sultry carbon fiber componentry and titanium hardware of its big brother, it features a few more micro-adjustment stops for more precise tuning of the rear derailleur. The cable harnesses are also simpler, and fully waterproof, without any additional sleeves or preventive weatherproofing. All this for an extra 263 grams over Dura Ace Di2. There's very little about this package that would prevent you from riding or racing the way you've always wanted to, and at a fraction of the price of Dura-Ace.

The gearing is compact, with a 50/34t crankset and an 11-25t cassette. This provides a great range that helps you tackle your punishing local climbs without compromising your ability to pace comfortably in your big ring on group rides. The Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels make a fantastic everyday wheel. They have 20 radially-laced front spokes paired with 24 rear spokes arrayed in the 2:1 pattern that has proven to be strong and durable. Fulcrum is Campagnolo's way of having a wheel brand separate from the Campy name. To be a bit more slippery in the wind, the spokes are bladed. The rim is 24mm deep, enough to get a little aero advantage without adding too much rotating mass. The tires are Pinarello-branded Continental Ultra-Sports. The MOst components start with the Jaguar XA ergonomic compact-bend aluminum handlebar. The tops are ovalized for comfort, and the 80mm reach combined with 130mm drop gives you several hand position choices in a small space. The MOst TigerAlu stem is stiff, thanks to the oversized aluminum tube, and it sits at an 80-degree angle. Shimano Ultegra brakes are dual-pivot calipers with a quick release and micro adjust barrel. The brake shoes have replaceable pads and can accept any Shimano/SRAM-compatible pad. The MOst Ocelot saddle is perched atop the MOst C-Alu carbon-wrapped aluminum seat post. The cranks, handlebar, and stem are all sized to match the frame. In a nice bit of overlap, the derailleur hanger is replaceable and is the same one as used on the Paris.

The Pinarello FP Quattro/Shimano Ultegra Di2 Complete Road Bike comes in a racy black and silver, and in twelve sizes to ensure you're able to find the perfect fit.

Shimano Ultegra Di2 retains all the mind-blowingly smooth and crisp shifting of its older brother, without relegating you to the poorhouse